Kim Jong Un has vowed to accelerate efforts to build a nuclear-armed navy and develop ‘secret underwater weapons’.

The North Korean leader was accompanied by his teenage daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, while inspecting a new warship ahead of a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

State media quoted him as calling for ‘rapidly developing’ naval forces capable of playing a larger role in the country’s nuclear deterrent and dealing a ‘deadly blow at the enemy any moment under the water or on the water’.

He said the navy was at the heart of a new five-year defence plan including the building of larger 10,000-tonne-class destroyers and developing unspecified ‘underwater secret weapons’.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not report any quotes by Kim about Washington or Seoul amid persistent tensions over his nuclear ambitions and a prolonged freeze in diplomacy.

The report came a day after North Korean and Chinese state media confirmed that Xi would visit North Korea on Monday, the latest sign of Beijing’s efforts to reinforce ties with its nuclear-armed neighbour.

In recent years, Kim has prioritized relations with Russia, notably by sending troop s and military equipment to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Xi’s trip was announced a day after North Korea unveiled what South Korea’s military assessed as a new uranium-enrichment facility for producing nuclear bomb fuel.

While visiting the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, Kim pledged to expand the country’s nuclear forces ‘at an exponential rate’.

Experts say the move reflects his desire to cement North Korea’s status as a nuclear weapons state ahead of Xi’s visit.

Kang Kon is the second of two destroyers North Korea unveiled last year, following the Choe Hyon, whose development Kim hailed as a major step toward expanding the operational range and pre-emptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military.

State media said the ships are designed to carry a range of weapons systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, though some experts have questioned their effectiveness in active duty.

Kang Kon was damaged during a botched launching ceremony in May last year at the northeastern port of Chongjin, triggering a furious reaction from Kim, who called the failure ‘criminal’.

North Korea said Kang Kon was relaunched in June after repair, but outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational.

Kim has called for building two more 5,000-ton-class destroyers.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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The ITV programme faced a scheduling change on Saturday, June 6, ahead of a ‘last show’ announcement.

James Martin’s ITV programme has undergone a shake-up, as scheduling was changed.

Saturday Morning usually airs every Saturday from 9.30am, featuring special celebrity guests.

It has been running since 2017, following James’ departure from the BBC and the end of his stint on Saturday Kitchen.

However, this weekend’s show begins at a later time of 10.30am.

Instead, ITV Racing: The Opening Show airs from 9.30am to 10.30am, with James’ shortened appearance on Saturday Morning then airing until 12.15pm.

It’s also the last show before a summer break, with the programme sharing on social media: “Can you believe its our last show before the summer break today?!

“Don’t fret as we have a great show coming up! @jamesmartinchef is joined by singer @natashahamilton, chef @mikereidchef and award-winning chocolatier @mwtchocolate!”

One fan replied: “Can’t wait! I’m a huge fan of Mark Tilling! Hoping to see @paulainsw6rth back on the show soon – always brilliant when he’s on!”

Another said: “Well I will be watching the show later well done for all your hard work and making the show happen see you next season.”

Someone else wrote: “Love this show can’t wait for the next season to come back,” as a fourth said: “Another great lineup so sad it’s your last show enjoy your break.”

The scheduling change comes as James made a “super-sized” announcement at the start of this year.

He returned to screens on New Year’s Day, revealing that the regular Saturday programme would be given an extra 45 minutes, running from 9.30am until 12pm.

This came as ITV faced a series of shake-ups, including those affecting daytime TV, with Lorraine Kelly’s show and Loose Women now running for only parts of the year on a seasonal rota.

James told viewers at the time: “That’s all we’ve got time for today. A massive thank you to my guests Sally, John and, of course, the brilliant Chris Robshaw. Thank you very much. We’ll see you back next Saturday morning, where we will be in the new super-sized slot, that’s where we’ll be. An improved show it says on [the autocue].”

He added: “But until then, enjoy the rest of your day. Happy New Year’s Day everyone, bye for now!”

James Martin’s Saturday Morning airs at 10.30am on Saturday, June 6 on ITV1 and ITVX.

If you’re heading off on holiday soon, you might already have your passport, chargers, and mini toiletries on your packing list. But there’s one final addition you don’t want to forget: a tennis ball.

No, not so you can ward off boredom by playing a game of catch with your aisle mates – it’s actually all to do with avoiding stiffness or aches while in the air. And it certainly won’t take up too much space in your bag, either.

It can also be used to enhance circulation, intended to be used by gently applying pressure and rolling it up and down the thighs, legs, or even shoulders, according to health experts.

Registered osteopath and qualified sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan previously debunked a few viral travel tips as part of a partnership with travel insurance specialist InsureandGo – and recommended using a tennis ball in tandem with another teeny piece of paraphernalia.

She explained: ‘A great tip is to find a hand towel, put the ball in the middle of it and roll it like a sausage.

‘When you then apply pressure using the ball, it’s easier to position and will prevent it from skidding out of position, which can be painful.

‘A tennis ball is small and light and can help you to apply soothing pressure to points you might otherwise not be able to reach.’

She also recommended stretching regularly to help with stiffness, noting that the side of the neck can be extended by ‘turning the chin towards the armpit and gently applying pressure to stretch the opposite side of the neck.’

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‘You can even stretch your lower back in your plane seat, by crossing your legs and leaning forward, as if you’re trying to reach down to the crossed-over foot with your elbow,’ she added.

In a bid to enjoy a slightly comfier long-haul flight, travel aficionados have also got on board with this hack. Posting over in the r/TravelHacks Subreddit, @tmckhar swears by it.

They penned: ‘Place it at the base of your spine near your tailbone. I do this when driving long period, and it helps with back pain.’

@CrapSandwich added: ‘I have a slipped disc in my lower back that tends to go out on long flights. The tennis ball between the seatback and my lower back really helps.’

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This isn’t the first slightly left-field piece of travel advice we’ve seen over the years.

Esther Sturrus, who works for Dutch airline KLM and shares TikToks about her journeys, previously recommended always throwing a water bottle under the bed when you get into a hotel room.

Although unlikely, tourists can be targeted by thieves or intruders, with some travellers choosing to be vigilant in certain countries or in rooms on lower floors.

According to Esther, her hack lets you ‘check that no one is under the bed without looking’, easing your mind if you’re wary.

She advised rolling the bottle under the bed, adding in her video that it ‘has to come out on the other side’. If it doesn’t, you may want to exercise caution.

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Metro puts the ‘tennis ball’ tip to the test

Metro‘s Maria Astardjieva recently flew long-haul from London to San Francisco – and packed a tennis ball in her carry-on luggage to see if it would help with mid-flight aches and pains.

She says of her experience: ‘I’ve seen countless tips promising to make long-haul flights more bearable. But one suggestion kept cropping up: pack a tennis ball.

‘It’s cheap, weighs next to nothing, and, crucially, takes up barely any space.

‘I started by positioning the ball at the base of my spine, just above my tailbone – the epicentre of that dull ache that seems to appear the moment you start approaching your 30s.

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‘Leaning back into the seat, I applied gentle pressure and slowly shifted my weight. Almost instantly, I felt relief…’

Read the full story here

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This article was last published on April 24, 2026.

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However, a three-way battle to sign Morgan Rogers has emerged with Chelsea and Man United said to be interested in the England international, who could cost up to £100million. Man Utd, though, have made a double announcement this week, while also striking an agreement with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson. Spurs, meanwhile, have completed their first signing of the summer with Andy Robertson arriving on a free transfer and he could soon be joined in north London by Marcos Senesi and Savinho.

Most Brits don’t eat enough to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and autoimmune conditions

A leading health expert has claimed there is a food group that lowers the risk of “virtually every disease”, which people across Britain are failing to eat enough of daily. Professor Tim Spector believes we should all be eating considerably more fibre.

Dietary fibre, more commonly referred to as roughage, is the indigestible component found in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains and pulses. Passing through the stomach, small intestine and colon largely undigested, it is widely recognised for supporting digestion, gut health and regulating blood sugar levels.

Prof Spector, an epidemiologist and founder of ZOE Health, argued that increasing fibre intake could reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as your chances of developing cancer and autoimmune conditions. He spoke in detail about this on a recent episode of The Proof podcast, reports Chronicle Live.

Podcast host Simon Hill asked him: “Most people fall well short of the fibre recommendation. What’s your elevator pitch today? How do you make a case for fibre?”

Prof Spector claims that for every additional five grams of fibre eaten, you could potentially cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 11%. He said: “Epidemiologically, it is the most solid data we’ve got. The more [fibre] you have, the lower your risk of virtually every disease that’s been measured.

“There doesn’t seem to be an upper limit, so that it seems to be incremental that for every five grams extra fibre you’re getting, you can reduce your early mortality from heart disease or strokes by somewhere between five and 11%, and that just keeps going up as you increase that dose.”

“You can get similar studies showing the same for cancer for mental health disease, autoimmune diseases. It seems to be really consistent and you don’t get that with any other macronutrients. Of all the things to focus on, I would say it is the most important.”

What does the research say?

A 2022 study published in BMC Medicine found that diets high in fibre reduced “all-cause mortality”. They were associated with lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose concentrations.

The researchers said: “These findings emphasise the likely benefits of promoting greater dietary fibre intakes for patients with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Further trials and cohort analyses in this area would increase confidence in these results.”

What does the NHS say?

The NHS website says that eating plenty of fibre is associated with a “lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer”. It also recommends that adults consume at least 30g of fibre each day, though most people currently achieve only around 20g.

For children, the recommended daily fibre target depends on their age. The breakdown shows:

• Children aged two to five should aim for approximately 15g of fibre
• Children aged five to 11 should aim for approximately 20g
• Teenagers aged 11 to 16 years should aim for approximately 25g

To boost your fibre intake, the NHS suggests that people could:

• Choose a higher-fibre breakfast cereal such as plain wholewheat biscuits (like Weetabix) or plain shredded whole grain (like Shredded Wheat), or porridge as oats are also a good source of fibre
• Go for wholemeal or granary breads, or higher-fibre white bread, and choose wholegrains like wholewheat pasta, bulgur wheat or brown rice
• Go for potatoes with their skins on, such as a baked potato or boiled new potatoes. Find out more about starchy foods and carbohydrates
• Add pulses like beans, lentils or chickpeas to stews, curries and salads
• Include plenty of vegetables with meals, either as a side dish or added to sauces, stews or curries. Find out more about how to get your 5 A Day
• Have some fresh or dried fruit, or fruit canned in natural juice for dessert. Because dried fruit is sticky, it can increase the risk of tooth decay, so it’s better if it is only eaten as part of a meal, rather than as a between-meal snack
• For snacks, try fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, rye crackers, oatcakes, and unsalted nuts or seeds

Despite being close as youngsters, reports suggest pair have ‘not spoken in years’ following incident at Princess Anne’s son’s first wedding in 2008

Members of the royal family are set to attend the wedding of Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips and NHS nurse Harriet Sperling later today. But his cousin Prince Harry is expected to miss the event in Gloucestershire amid reports the pair have “not spoken in years”.

Despite being close as youngsters, the Mirror reports the presence of his estranged brother Prince William and his wife Kate at the Cotswolds wedding will inevitably have played a part in Harry and wife Megan not attending. But an incident from Mr Phillips first wedding 18 years ago is also a reason for their absence.

Harry was apparently furious Mr Phillips and first wife Canadian Autumn Kelly struck a deal with Hello! magazine to sell the exclusive rights to their wedding for an estimated £500,000 – without telling the family.

He is said to have been particularly annoyed because he had taken his then girlfriend Chelsy Davy as a guest and decided this was the moment he would introduce her to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, for the first time – a sign their relationship was getting increasingly serious.

While the prince was aware that a photographer was present he thought they were for Peter and Autumn’s private collection and had no idea that they would end up in the magazine.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to make an appearance at the private ceremony at All Saints Church, Kemble, Cirencester, today, before leaving to attend the Epsom Derby horse races more than 100 miles away in Surrey.

As well as Harry and Megan missing the occasion, Peter’s uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have also apparently been left off the guest list.

Harriet and Peter reportedly met in spring 2024 at a sporting event involving their daughters from previous relationships. Just months later, the couple made their public debut as they appeared together at the Badminton Horse Trials, where Harriet mingled with Peter’s mum, Anne, sister-in-law-to-be Zara.

Throughout the first year of their relationship, the couple were spotted together at a number of social events together, such as Wimbledon as well as Cheltenham Races. In June last year, they attended Royal Ascot together where Harriet made her debut in one of the carriages during the royal procession – with the move being seen as a significant sign of her moving into the royal fold.

On August 1 2025, the couple announced their engagement after one year of dating. A statement on behalf of the couple read: “Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement. Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement.”

The Mirror has contacted Harry’s representatives for comment.

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.

The parents of Morgan Ridler have shared a special announcement on social media

The family of a little boy who died just days before his fourth birthday have made a special announcement. Morgan Ridler, from Swansea, died in 2023 after being diagnosed with a rare and complex form of cancer when he was just two.

Since Morgan’s death his parents Natalie and Matt have been supporting other families who face the devastating reality of childhood cancer in Morgan’s memory through their charity Morgan’s Army.

Morgan’s parents have made a special announcement on the charity’s social media page revealing they are expecting a baby.

They wrote: “After heartbreak, hope, a little help from genetic therapy and a journey we’ll never forget, our family is growing.”

Natalie and Matt said Morgan’s “little brother or sister” will grow up knowing all about Morgan and his legacy.

They added that after years of being “the very best little sister” their daughter Rhiannon is about to become an amazing “big sister too”.

The full post on the family’s social media read: “Our founders, Matt and Nat have some news to share…

“Some dreams take a little longer. After heartbreak, hope, a little help from genetic therapy and a journey we’ll never forget, our family is growing.

“Morgan, you’ll always be our first baby, our greatest teacher, and the reason we never stopped believing. Your place in our family can never be filled, and your little brother or sister will grow up knowing all about you and the incredible legacy you left behind.

“And Rhiannon, our brave, beautiful girl, after years of being the very best little sister, you’re about to become an amazing big sister too. We couldn’t be prouder of the kindness, strength and love you carry every day.

“A new chapter is beginning, but every chapter of our story will always include you, Morgan. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever part of our family.”

The family’s heartwarming news comes after they shared that Morgan had helped to save his little sister Rhiannon’s life. He was diagnosed with the rare cancer adrenocortical carcinoma in October 2021 after his parents started noticing that he started to gain weight and was complaining of tummy pains shortly after the birth of his sister Rhiannon.

Further testing revealed that Morgan had Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a condition caused by a mutation of the TP53 gene that dramatically increases cancer risk.

Speaking to Stand Up To Cancer last year Morgan’s family said this testing has helped to save his sister Rhiannon’s life as the wider family were tested for the condition and the same mutation was found in Matt and Rhiannon.

Anyone carrying this mutation is predisposed to developing rare and very aggressive forms of cancer. While it confirmed that Rhiannon’s risk of developing breast cancer is above 95% the family said the testing means they can now look at preventative measures.

“Morgan losing his life has probably saved mine and certainly his sister’s,” Matt said.

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Festival of the week: City of York Roland Walls Folk Weekend 2026, Black Swan Folk Club, Peasholme Green York, today and tomorrow

CITY of York Roland Walls Folk Weekend’s three-day programme of 50 acts continues today and tomorrow with bands, soloists and sessions throughout the pub and in the car park from 1pm each day after last night’s Irish-themed bill in the club room.

Among the performers will be King Courgette, in the return of the original line-up, Leather’O, White Sail, Janglebuddies, Graham Hodge, Monkey’s Fist, Chechelele, Caramba, Holly Taymar, Duncan McFarlane Band, Mary Molloy, Susie Coyle, Soundsphere and Jon Palmer Band. Admission is free, with collections for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Lunchtime concert of the week: York Late Music, Stuart O’Hara (bass) and Rob Hao piano), Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, today, 1pm

MARRYING words and music, bass Stuart O’Hara and pianist Rob Hao’s performance is based around new settings of Yorkshire poets by local composers: James Else&Alan Gillott, Retratos (world premiere, complete song cycle); Tim Brooks& Lizzi Linklater, New Student In The University Cafe (world premiere); Jenny Jackson& Richard Kitchen, Vessels (world premiere) and Nick Carter& Hugh Bernays: The Water Will Not Remember from Requiem for the Arctic (world premiere)

This afternoon’s recital also includes David Power’s Six Songs, based on the poetry of E.H. Visiak, and two new settings by York St John University student composers Robyn Hughes-Maclean and Matthew Jarvis. Tickets: latemusic.org or on the door.

Poetry and music in motion: The Elysian Singers, York Late Music, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, tonight, 7.30pm

DIRECTED by Sam Laughton, The Elysian Singers’ insightful programme celebrates the musical settings of the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. Benjamin Britten’s A.M.D.G. will be complemented by works by Samuel Barber (Heaven-Haven), Alan Bullard (The Windhover and Spring Morning), Bob Chilcott (The Bethlehem Star) and Ian Stephens (Pied Beauty).

The première of David Lancaster’s new work, Henry Purcell, featuring Hopkins’ tribute to his own favourite composer, provides an opportunity to revisit Purcell’s Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences and O Lord God Of Hosts. David Power’s quirky and imaginative settings of four E.H. Visiak poems completes the line-up, preceded by Lancaster and Power’s 6.45pm pre-concert talk. Tickets: latemusic.org or on the door.

Recommended but sold out already: Shed Seven, A Maximum High 30th Anniversary Show, The Piece Hall, Halifax, today, gates open at 6.30pm

Shed Seven: Marking 30th anniversary of A Maximum High with one-off concert at The Piece Hall, Halifax

YORK band Shed Seven are marking the 30th anniversary of their hit-laden second album, April 1996’s A Maximum High, with a one-off concert at The Piece Hall, featuring the magnum opus in full plus further Sheds’ hits and fan favourites. Expect a few surprises too. The Guest List (6.30pm) and Seb Lowe (7.20pm) support.

Seaside trip of the week; Madness, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, tonight, doors 6pm

IN their 50th year since forming in Camden, Nutty Boys Madness make their fourth appearance at Scarborough Open Air Theatre after previous seaside visits in 2017, 2019 and 2024.

Drawing on 31 Top 40 hits and 11 Top Ten albums, their timeless blend of ska, pop, punk and music hall will be on show as ever in Our House, It Must be Love, Baggy Trousers, House Of Fun et al. The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr and reggae vocalist Hollie Cook support. Box office: scarboroughopenairtheatre.com.

Thriller of the week: The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, Grand Opera House, York, June 9 to 13, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees

FOR the first time, a John le Carré novel is being brought to life on stage by Chichester Festival Theatre in David Eldridge’s adaptation of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, a tale that journeys through the fog-shrouded terrain ofColdWar espionage, deception and moral compromise.

Death In Paradise star Ralf Little’s disillusionedBritish intelligence officer, Alec Leamas, is ready to come in from thecold, untilveteran agent George Smiley persuades him to take one final mission against the East German Secret Service. Deep undercover, Leamas finds his convictions tested and his defences breached by Liz Gold, a quietly defiant librarian, whose compassion threatens to thaw his frostbitten heart. Box office: atgtickets.com/york.

Literature lessons of the week: Black Treacle Theatre in Educating Rita, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, June 9 to 13, 7.30pm

YORK actors Florence Poskitt and Jamie McKeller team up for the first time under Jim Paterson’s direction in Willy Russell’s warm, witty and moving double-hander about the power of education to change lives. When Rita, a working-class hairdresser hungry for something more, signs up for an Open University literature course, she meets disillusioned academic Frank, whose passion for teaching has long faded.

Their weekly tutorials become a battle of ideas, humour and honesty as Rita’s confidence blossoms and Frank reckons with his own choices and the possibility of a second chance. Change comes with difficult choices for both student and tutor, who must reconsider who they are and who they want to be. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.

Unscripted silliness of the week: Unwritten: The Literary Improv Show, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, York, June 11, 8.30pm, doors 7.30pm

YORK troupe The Bluffs take classic short-form improv games and infuse them with storytelling flair in an evening of laughter, silliness and plot twists. Each fast-paced show is shaped by audience suggestions and spontaneous creativity. Expect scenes inspired by classic literature, unexpected character mash-ups and even a fanfiction-inspired musical number.

The Bluffs are drawn from a melange of theatrical, comedy and musical backgrounds, from festival stages to pantomime and competitive Theatresports (CORRECT). Box office: eventbrite.com/e/unwritten-the-literary-improv-show-tickets-1984763723726.

The Old Paint Shop presents: Wright & Grainger Say It & Play it, York Theatre Royal Studio, June 11, 8pm

FRIENDS and working partners since Easingwold schooldays, Wright & Grainger serve a carefully curated evening of stories, poems, songs and gentle chaos. Known for their internationally acclaimed adaptations of Ancient Greek myths, sometimes they do something a tad different.

Say It & Play It will be a set full of Alexander Flanagan Wright & Phil Grainger’s shorter collaborative works, the poems that stand on their own, the beautiful tracks they have been writing. “It’s a gorgeous weave of our home-grown stuff, grown and told on home turf,” they say. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

The UK’s largest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, has experienced a technical issue while docked at a port in Norway, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

The £3.5 billion vessel had set sail earlier this month from Loch Long, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Its deployment to Nordic waters was intended to provide security across the Atlantic and High North regions.

“A minor technical issue” was identified on the Royal Navy’s most powerful vessel during its latest stop in Stavanger, a port city in south-western Norway, the MoD said.

The aircraft carrier is expected to sail in the coming days, the ministry added.

HMS Prince of Wales also broke down in 2022 while travelling to joint exercises with the US Navy.

An MoD spokesperson said: “HMS Prince of Wales is currently conducting a port visit to Stavanger as part of the Carrier Strike Group’s deployment across the North Atlantic and Arctic, we expect her to set sail in the coming days.”

The Daily Mail quoted a senior Navy source as saying the latest breakdown was ‘devastating for morale’.

The ship, which is generally based in Portsmouth, was joined by Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and tanker RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) Tidespring on its way to Nordic waters.

It has worked with Nato and the Joint Expeditionary Force throughout the deployment.

What to know about HMS Prince of Wales

HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth are the largest and most powerful vessels ever constructed for the Royal Navy.

HMS Prince of Wales weighs 65,000 tonnes, and has a top speed in excess of 25 knots per hour and a range of 10,000 nautical miles.

It can carry up to 72 aircraft, including a maximum of 36 F-35B fighter jets, and has an expected service life of up to 50 years, according to the Royal Navy.

The ship can operate on a crew of 678, but can accommodate up to 1,600 people.

Commanding officer Captain Ben Power said before it set sail: “HMS Prince of Wales stands ready as the nation’s flagship to demonstrate the United Kingdom’s commitment to Nato and the Joint Expeditionary Force.

“My thanks go to our families who continue to show unwavering support as we deploy for a period away from home waters.”

Commander James Mitchell, commanding officer of the HMS Duncan, added: “As a Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan brings world-class air defence capability to the Carrier Strike Group, providing essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units.

“Training alongside our allies in the North Atlantic and High North strengthens our ability to operate as an integrated and resilient force.”